SB Nation Bay Area Editor's Pick
Avoiding Arbitration Day - Braden, Jackson, Willingham, Kouz Sign (and More News)
by vegAN ryAN on Jan 18, 2011 11:01 AM PST
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Print1/19 Update - The Brian Fuentes signing is official, and the A's DFA'd Steve Tolleson to make room for Fuentes on the 40-man roster.
4:30 pm Breslow update - Jane Lee tweets:
#Athletics offer Breslow $1.15 million. He filed at $1.55 million. Midpoint is $1.35 million.
Today is the deadline for players and teams to submit arbitration figures. Most players and teams want to avoid having to submit dollar amounts, so there has been a flurry of deals announced around MLB.
The A's had 8 arbitration-eligible players coming into the offseason. Ryan Sweeney ($1.4 MM), Joey Devine ($560k), and Brad Ziegler ($1.25 MM) have already agreed to one year deals. Four more have come to terms today:
Josh Willingham - $6 MM ($4.6 MM in 2010)
Kevin Kouzmanoff - $4.75 MM ($3.1 MM in 2010)
Dallas Braden - $3.35 MM ($420k in 2010)
Conor Jackson - $3.32 MM Slusser tweets the contract is $3.2 MM exactly. ($3.1 MM in 2010)
Jane Lee first reported Braden and Jackson's deals, while Susan Slusser reported the deals for Kouz and Willingham.
That leaves Craig Brewlow ($425k in 2010) as the lone remaining unsigned arb-eligible player for the A's, though it wouldn't be surprising if a deal is reached today for him as well.
In a bit of non-arbitration news, I've been on a quest over the past couple of weeks to figure out if the A's are planning on continuing the Spring Training webcasts now that Robert Buan is no longer with the organization (RIP Buancasts). Finally, Chris Townsend confirmed to me on Twitter yesterday that the A's are in fact planning to do webcasts of non-radio games, but Chris said that the details (such as who will be doing the play-by-play, and if EVERY game will be webcast as in the past) have yet to be ironed out.
MORE A'S NEWS:
- Philip Humber, who the A's DFA'd on 1/9, has been claimed by the White Sox.
- Clayton Mortensen has been DFA'd to make room for Balfour, according to Slusser.
- The Balfour deal is official, says Joe Stiglich (actually, SuSlu had that first, too)
- SuSlu's Drumbeat on this busy day is up, which includes quotes from Willingham on his Willingness to talk about a multi-year deal.
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I can't believe they're paying that much to Jackson
Hard to see him providing much more value than a AAAA OF with options. I’d rather see the flexibility of having an extra IF on the roster, depending on injuries. This really boxes them in with the roster.
seriously, i think i just saw Nelson Cruz signed for 3.9 million
what a joke that jackson is worth is 3.2 million
Chris Carter is the next Hank Aaron right?
by streetisclosedin08 on Jan 18, 2011 1:49 PM PST up reply actions
that makes sense if he were playing at least half a season each year
but I would think only playing 90 games in two years would mean no raise. Obviously that is not the case.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Boy, that puts things into perspective.
Good gravy.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 18, 2011 11:52 AM PST up reply actions
too much fucking perspective.
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
Spinal Tap FTW
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
There's a fine line
between stupid and clever.
"We’re not talking to each other. We’re writing at each other. We’re writing for an audience. We know that other people are reading that wall post. We’re trying to elicit a response. I get the appeal, but you are forfeiting humanity." - - Aaron Sorkin
by EddieVegas_NRAF on Jan 18, 2011 12:47 PM PST up reply actions
I tried to have that quote
put in my bio for my firm’s marketing materials.
The office manager rejected it. I guess she doesn’t see the genius of DSH.
So I guess "The bigger the cushion the sweeter the pushin'" isn't an option?
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
Nor
any references to pitch forks/hay or pink torpedoes.
"Built for comfort, not for speed?"
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
I tried to get
“low level bureaucratic shit worker” printed on my cards, but my boss changed it to “communications specialist”
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
I'm getting closer and closer to being Three Hundred Pounds of Joy
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
one of the all time greatest rock music lines
“My baby fits me like a flesh tuxedo
I’d like to sink her with my pink torpedo”
the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust
makes me think of Weird Al
Weird Al Yankovic – Wanna B Ur Lovr
I wanna be your Krakatoa
Let my lava flow all over you
I wanna be your anaconda
And your heat-seeking missile too
I wanna be your beef burrito
Am I making this perfectly clear?
I wanna be your love torpedo
Are you picking up the subtle innuendo here?
Uh huh
youtube video from the Wayne Brady Show.
funny how many old white people are in the crowd.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
More perspective:
Rajai just signed a 2 year deal with the Jays that will pay him $2.5 MM this year and $2.75 MM next. I’m absolutely not a Rajai fan, but… but yeah.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
ugh, that pisses me off
because I liked Rajai. they should have kept him and dropped New Guy, at least Rajai could be a excellent pinch runner.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Oh god.
And Jackson’s a third-year arby player, which usually means a salary of 80% of the FA market price.
Had they cut him loose
I am guessing he would have been lucky to get a $2M deal. So it really doesn’t make a lot of sense.
There is a good chance he wouldn’t have come back to be a 5th OF here, but this is a lot to pay to make sure you keep your 5th OF.
The only upside is we have the ability to cut him before the season starts and save most of this money. Beane must really like having options. I am holding out hope that he puts it together in the spring and is a nice surprise for us. Otherwise I assume he won’t be on the team come opening day.
He would've been lucky to get a major league deal.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 18, 2011 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
by PaulThomas on Jan 18, 2011 3:05 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
I just rec'd some1 that said rec'd cuz i wanted to rec the 1st 1 more than once.
Basically… go away CJax.
Are the rumors of Colorado's interest in him false then?
I would imagine the fact that it cost us Demel to acquire CoJack and the whisperings of trade interest for him validate that he has value.
They'd be willing to blow $550K on the off chance coJack is actually no longer dead
After his absolutely dynamic season of 17 pretty atrocious games last year.
But are unwilling to stay out of arby for $400K with Breslow, who actually provided value last year?
I guess they just kept spending til the money was gone, but still…
I do agree, it would cost another team nothing to claim Jackson had the A’s waived him (a la the A’s kicking E5’s tires) the A’s would still have had a decent chance of re-signing him- and for a lot less.
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Jan 18, 2011 10:39 PM PST up reply actions
Regarding Breslow:
They can reach an agreement up until the hearing. Exchanging numbers doesn’t preclude an agreement. I’m confident something will be worked out with so small a gap.
"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe
Yes -- the likelihood of the A's going to arbritration with Breslow is really, really low.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The A's do have a habit of wasting money for options
This is a big one, but maybe they know something we don’t. If he flames out we will have a valid critique of management… but not a huge one as that lost $550k doesn’t really impact the team all that much.
Yes. This is troubling.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 18, 2011 12:48 PM PST up reply actions
I'd have to guess that the Mortensen DFA
makes it that much less likely that a supertrade for a bat is in the works.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
I never thought one was...
Beane wants to improve the team wherever he can, and if that means making a good bullpen great, then at least it’s an improvement.
by Brett Narloch on Jan 18, 2011 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
Wow...
Conor Jackson must have a DAMN good agent.
My thoughts
Kouz – Looks like a bit of an overpay. Maybe they wanted to make him happy after the whole Beltre thing
Jackson – It’s more than he is worth but its about right given his $3.1M salary last year. He will get dropped if he doesn’t perform in the spring. I think that means we would only pay him about $550k.
Willingham – Looks a bit high based on $4.6M last year but its close enough.
Braden – First year eligible so I am not sure if this is a good number or not. I guess I wouldn’t have expected him to start out quite this high. Though he would have had some excellent arguments in any potential arbitration case.
As for dropping Mortenson… I don’t get it. Were at risk of losing him soon anyways? He would seem to be a pretty good value as an emergency starter. Mortenson and a 2nd rounder for Balfour doesn’t look as good. I am somewhat disappointed by this and am even more worried about what will come along with the Fuentes signing (hoping for a trade).
Re: Braden
I agree that it looks like a bit much. Phil Hughes got $2.7 MM for his first arb year, and Jair Jurrjens got $3.25 MM for his. But I love Dallas, and I’m happy he got a “He Threw a Perfect Game and Is As Much the Face of Our Franchise As Anybody” bonus.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Doesn't do much for his lawsuit however
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
Dallas Braden threw a perfect game!
On Pam’s birthday!
I was there!
…oh, sorry.
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Jan 18, 2011 12:18 PM PST up reply actions
Don't apologize.
you should be able to yell Dallas Braden Perfect Game! anytime, anywhere and in any thread
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Jan 18, 2011 12:20 PM PST up reply actions
Sheesh
Jackson – It’s more than he is worth but its about right given his $3.1M salary last year. He will get dropped if he doesn’t perform in the spring. I think that means we would only pay him about $550k.
I wish someone would pay me $550k to not work for them.
But I mostly agree with you. I didn’t expect that big of a pay increase for Kouz considering how he hit (or rather, failed to hit) last year. Oh well.
"Everybody in the building is standing except for people in a wheelchair." - Doug Woog
"It’s like the lost burrito of Atlantis." - jeepers
by Where's My Burrito? on Jan 18, 2011 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
The Willingham salary seems very fair to me.
$6MM over $4.6 last year is perfectly in line with the 40/60/80 arby tendency, where a third-year arby player would get a salary corresponding to 80% of his FA market price, which is about a raise of 33% over his second-year arby salary.
Do injuries usually impact that much?
Had he played 140 games I would agree, but I had hoped the time he missed would have worked out more in our favor. Though using 40/60/80 I guess $6M is a slight discount so maybe it did help us a bit. In the end I have no problem with the number.
The Kouz number is a little high though isn’t it? Any thoughts as to why?
Hmm.
Well even with the 140 games, he was 2.7 fWAR, so $6MM comes only comes out to 50% or so, if he could duplicate that production. Maybe he did get a little off because of it. Willingham’s a pretty special player.
And as far as Kouz,
He’s making a bit less than Dallas will (in their second arby years), which makes sense, I suppose. It does seem kinda high, for some reason.
A day after coming to terms on a $2.3 MM deal.
A little strange.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Is there some sort of contractual/players union/legal stuff in play here I don't get?
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 18, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions
It may be that you can't release a player with an unresolved arbitration situation
I’m hoping, not very optimistically, that this means that Conor Jackson will be DFAed to make room for Fuentes…
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
He's almost sure to clear waivers but I think they'd have to release him and pay his
whole contract a la Crosby
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
Not if it's not guaranteed, and one-year arbitration contracts normally aren't
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Yes, I forgot that his is a one year deal, although it's not a literally an arbitration contract.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
He deserves a hug
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Jan 18, 2011 12:14 PM PST up reply actions
I'd take him over McCarthy. At least he's healthy
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 6:46 PM PST up reply actions
Why DFA Mort?
Seemed like he was decent to keep around, instead of one of those scrap heap dudes we picked up.
Or, perhaps, we can get Galarraga now (probably an upgrade over Mort)
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
I think the A's were going to be at 42 after the Fuentes thing
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
I guess
But a starter is probably better to have than a reliever. Why not Moscoso to DFA?
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Jan 18, 2011 12:20 PM PST up reply actions
Why would Beane DFA a player he just traded for?
Legit question btw, it’s interesting to me.
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Jan 18, 2011 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
to replace him with a better one
Or, for that matter, why would the Tigers DFA Galarraga one day after signing him?
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Jan 18, 2011 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
It's puzzling at best. There must be something we don't know about.
"Everybody in the building is standing except for people in a wheelchair." - Doug Woog
"It’s like the lost burrito of Atlantis." - jeepers
by Where's My Burrito? on Jan 18, 2011 1:01 PM PST up reply actions
here's hoping he comes to us
He’d be a legit 5th starter
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Jan 18, 2011 1:10 PM PST up reply actions
That perfect game is clouding everybody's vision.
Galarraga is not good. Strikes out 5.7 per 9. Walks 3.5 per 9. Has a 5.17 career FIP.
by danmerqury on Jan 18, 2011 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently his career stats clouded Joyce's vision
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
They did it to clear room for Penny
@jonmorosi
Jon Morosi
Armando Galarraga has been designated for assignment by the #Tigers to make room for Brad Penny. #Detroit #MLB
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Jan 18, 2011 1:15 PM PST up reply actions
Still strange that they would choose to release him a day after they signed him.
"Everybody in the building is standing except for people in a wheelchair." - Doug Woog
"It’s like the lost burrito of Atlantis." - jeepers
by Where's My Burrito? on Jan 18, 2011 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
Designated for assignment ≠ released
It’s right there in the name. The goal is to assign him. Designating him for assignment gets him off the 40-man roster. If no one claims him off waivers, then they can put him on their AAA team until they’re ready to call him up again. The salary makes a waiver claim less likely.
Now, I’m not saying they deliberately paid him high in order to get him through waivers. I’m saying they paid him a price that they want him at, and that price happens to make him a good candidate to clear waivers when they need a roster spot.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
I just saw
that he signed and then..was let go. That’s a weird chain of events.
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Jan 18, 2011 1:07 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
he threw a perfect game, then he didn't
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
What a strange man
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
A better question might be why not
He’s not exactly a high ceiling guy and he’s right at replacement level (though in a SSS, I’ll grant).
I love green because money be green.
No, I get that
You can just never have too many starters on this team.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Jan 18, 2011 12:55 PM PST up reply actions
Truf
I’ve mentioned this before, but a very close friend of mine played ball with Clay when they were at TVCC. It could be sour grapes (my buddy’s out of baseball now), but he was pretty surprised when he heard his former teammate was in the mix for the 5th starter spot last year.
I love green because money be green.
I forgot to add that this very likely affects my attitude toward Mort
I love green because money be green.
hes still on teh team
he had options i thought
by Chris Schlitz on Jan 19, 2011 8:56 AM PST up reply actions
Options are for removing him off the 25 man roster
DFA removes him off the 40 man roster and exposes him to waivers.
My thoughts:
OHMYGAAAAWD MORECONORJACKSON SRSLY?!?!
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
Just doing my part
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
At least
someone appreciates my analysis
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
Hey, I can see you having a beer now and then, but not crack. hehehe.
I used to think the same everytime Jim Macier came into a game. I think Hudson felt the same.
Is it possible that this is a prelude to a Mortensen trade?
Long shot I know, but he would seem to have value to someone.
It could be...
But if you’re going to maximize whatever value he has, you’ll do it before DFAing him. Now whoever wants him knows that the A’s will only have him for about 10 more days.
by Brett Narloch on Jan 18, 2011 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
That'd be great.
But it wouldn’t help the 40-man roster crunch situation.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
I thought he wasn't out of options?
I find it hard to believe that Moscoso or some of the other random guys on the 40 are more valuable than Mortensen
Maybe Mortensen has trade value and those guys don't
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 6:48 PM PST up reply actions
CoJack gets a bad rap
The reaction he elicits from AN reminds me of Kotsay during his first season here.
Can we give the guy a little break? He’s been dealing with injuries and he just made the league switch.
His last full season was decent before injuries derailed his career.
He has good plate discipline, a little pop, and he is hitting his prime years. He was an on-base machine in the minors.
He can back up first and platoon with Sweeney as 4th outfielder. Hell, with Coco’s, Willingham’s and Sweeney’s injury histories, he could spend a lot of time in the outfield. After a couple injuries, we might be happy we have him.
It is not like I am a big fan of Jackson’s. I just hate to see guys get piled on. I prefer to give him more than 69 ABs to prove himself.
He'd have gotten more than 69 ABs if he wasn't hurt.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
No one said they dislike him. And I don't see anyone piling on him either.
We’re just wondering how someone who can’t seem to stay healthy – and who had a very serious illness – can get a contract that big to play in the bigs.
by Brett Narloch on Jan 18, 2011 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
Doesn't seem that surprising
He’s roughly the same player he was last year and he’s making roughly the same salary as last year. I guess you could expect his salary to go down because of all the injuries, but his arbitration numbers have already been depressed due to previous injuries so I don’t see why anyone would expect the hernia last year to make it go much lower.
I think he’s just a product of the system, he played good enough to get a decent salary his first year of arbitration which has helped him salary-wise through his injury problems. 1 year at $3 mil isn’t that crazy for a guy in his final year of arbitration.
Why would anyone not like Kotsay his first year here?
He was very good that year.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 18, 2011 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
I like this Willingham guy.
Outfielder Josh Willingham signed a $6 million deal, avoiding arbitration. Willingham told me this morning that if the A’s would like to sign him to a long-term deal, “Absolutely, I would do that.” I’m told talks on a multi-year could begin this spring.
Willingham was particularly happy to avoid arbitration – no one wants to go to a new team and have the first interaction to be over a boardroom table, haggling over figures. And like Balfour, he’s excited about the A’s prospects for this season. “I’ve never had the opportunity to be on a team that from spring training on is expected to put a really good product on the field that has a chance to win every day,” Willingham said.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?entry_id=81201
by danmerqury on Jan 18, 2011 1:23 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I like the attitude as well. Sure doesn't sound like pessimism.
Sounds like he is happy to take the field with the A’s, no matter what the market size is.
I would prefer a DeJesus extension, but I guess it doesn't have to be an either/or situation.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 18, 2011 1:42 PM PST up reply actions
DeJesus
Easily. Willingham is the epitome of the phrase “old player skills.” DeJesus is far more athletic.
I’ve really got no interest at all in re-signing Willingham, whereas DeJesus is a solid candidate to stay good for another 2 or 3 years.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
117 OPS+ ZiPS projection at 32 doesn't sound like he'll be very useful in a decline phase
as a DH
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
and Type A(?) free agents!
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 7:49 PM PST up reply actions
To be fair, Willingham is like Cust in that OPS doesn't showcase his OBP as much as it should.
wRC+ has been more in the 120s and 130s.
.362/.453 doesn't sound like it's all that OBP slanted, but even a decline
from 125 doesn’t sound all that great
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions
I'd take Willingham for a couple more years.
But after age 34/35….c’ya!
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 8:33 PM PST up reply actions
Please tell me you meant to be hella condescending when you said that.
Cause that’s how I read it, and it’s awesome.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
pfft. fine.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
That's nice
"Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common." - Satchel Paige
It's just nice to hear a good hitter say, "I'd like to stay in Oakland."
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Crisp did that last year, too.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
I suspect he'll do it again
I could see him signing a 2-year extension that’s club-friendly (basically that adequately acknowledges his age and injury history).
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Now they just need a backup CF that acknowledges his age and injury history
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 6:51 PM PST up reply actions
Like Rajai Davis?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
or Ryan Sweeney
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
But not Daniel Farquhar
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 7:42 PM PST up reply actions
well, doesn't hurt that he's from Cali (Los Angeles)
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 7:50 PM PST up reply actions
just to make sure you guys saw
Conor Jackson isn’t making quite that much – his deal is actually 3.2 million.
I updated the post to say so after you tweeted it.
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
seriously awesome
that you’re using that sig line.
If you think that's awesome, you should see the t-shirt!
Just kidding. Maybe.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Your most recent tweet will probably
Billy Beane tells The Chronicle that there are no plans to package relievers/OFs in a trade. “If it happens it will come later.” #Athletics
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Whew!
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
Talking to guys like Ron Romanik, Wuertz, Gallego...
they are really high on the signings and think they are going to go far this year.
I have abandonment issues. Thanks Lew.
by OptimistPrime on Jan 18, 2011 6:06 PM PST up reply actions
When is the camp over?
I am anxiously awaiting your write up!
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
I think I would be very scared
if members of the organization were not paying lip service to optimism.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 18, 2011 6:55 PM PST up reply actions
Also they'd probably lose their jobs unless they were Lew Wolff or Billy Beane
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 18, 2011 7:02 PM PST up reply actions
I always wonder what Pirates fans hear from players during the offseason
They say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing all the time!
usually stuff about how young players are progressing.
by Billy Frijoles on Jan 19, 2011 9:45 AM PST up reply actions
With Huntington they finally don't have to hear about Bryan Bullingtons anymore
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Idunno, but everything I heard about their (now fired) post game show host was awesome.
Rocco DeMaro sounded very enthusiastic, intelligent, and charismatic. Plus he played Final Fantasy music when the Pirates won.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 19, 2011 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
Am I wrong for liking Conor Jackson?
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
Yes. Yes you are.
teehee
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Jan 18, 2011 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Hater. ;)
Seriously though, I’ll get over him. Dallas is my mancrush.
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 7:54 PM PST up reply actions
Don't we have the Batting Stance Guy for that?
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
I like him too.
I don’t 3.2 million like him.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 18, 2011 3:12 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah
I’m on board with that. I 2 million like him though. But I’m kinda missing Raj…. :’(
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 7:42 PM PST up reply actions
yeah me too
Would have definitely kept Raj and axed cojack, then offered him a minor league deal with ST invite.
by Billy Frijoles on Jan 19, 2011 9:46 AM PST up reply actions
In 2008
He was a 3 WAR, .300/.376/.446 player. He’s 28 years old. There’s hope. But $3.2 million is way too much money.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
I can't even give you stats to back up why I don't like him
but sitting there watching him all last summer was…enough
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
You mean sitting there watching him sitting there?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Lol
Yeah. It was intense.
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
Maybe they need to post a "No Loitering" sign in the dugout?
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 7:58 PM PST up reply actions
I don't care about the money
I think Conner Jackson will do well this year. At least the A’s are not paying Ben Sheets or Eric Chavez this year.
Is there anything you think won't go right for the A's?
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 18, 2011 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
There will not be enough
players wearing high socks.
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
That's not a tear in my eye
I just miss Rajai
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
and Corey Wimberly...
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 8:00 PM PST up reply actions
but in case you really do miss him
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 8:02 PM PST up reply actions
and $1 Dawg days.
It’s not easy filling the shoes of fan favorite Bobby Crosby, but Cliff Pennington says he’s up to the challenge.
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 18, 2011 8:03 PM PST up reply actions
Apropos of nothing:
Who’s playing shortstop these days in Triple A? The rosters at the official minor league sites are understandably unhelpful at the moment. Is it gonna be Cardenas? Are they going to keep both Horton and Green at Double A or move one of them up?
I love green because money be green.
I was under the impression that Tolleson was the platoon with Wimberley last season
I have to imagine he gets the first look. He could always get moved to 3B but I have to imagine that Green will start at AA, and I don’t think Horton is high-profile enough to unseat Tolleson.
Minor League rosters are going to be interesting. I might do a Minor Rosterbation thread later.
"So, the A's new organizational philosophy involves adding Viking relievers? God save us all."
"Berserkers: the new market inefficiency."
-LonestarBall
Is that legal?
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
What you do in Vegas, remains in Vegas.
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Not without penicillin, it doesn't
Did I just say that out loud?
"We’re not talking to each other. We’re writing at each other. We’re writing for an audience. We know that other people are reading that wall post. We’re trying to elicit a response. I get the appeal, but you are forfeiting humanity." - - Aaron Sorkin
by EddieVegas_NRAF on Jan 18, 2011 4:59 PM PST up reply actions
Would he need penicillin for what he is suggesting?
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Penisillin?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Now THAT is sic!
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Read this in the comments on the SF Chron article - thoughts?
“EiO
2:13 PM on January 18, 2011
This comment is hidden because you have chosen to ignore EiO. Show DetailsHide Details
If the A’s want a possible solution at 3B they might have already had him in their organization.
He hit .198/.343/.414 with 7 HR in just 111 ABs. Given a larger sample size and that batting average works out. He had terrible luck with only a .188 BABIP. Even with bad luck the average an OBP go up 30 points.
In AAA he hit .303/.430/.624 with 30 HR in just 340 ABs.
So you know he just ran afoul of luck.
Maybe it’s time for the A’s to re-acquire Dan Johnson.
He plays 3B/1B and hits above league average.
It might not be pretty on defense but he will hit 25 HR and walk 100 times."
DJ played 36 games at 3B last year in AAA.
From what I can tell, he’s played 53 games at 3B in his entire life. I’m not ready to hand him a major league hot corner on a potentially contending team. Also, sunscreen.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Well, EIO is of a very pessimistic mindset re: the A's, Billy Beane, Wolff and everything else. He makes DFA, PT and the other so-called pessimists on AN look like a barbershop quartet singing 'A Lil Ray of sunshine'
So, I guess he thinks it would be fine to try DJ, since he certainly doesn’t think the A’s are potentially contending….
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Jan 18, 2011 3:43 PM PST up reply actions
That, and he's had a woody for Dan Johnson for the last six years
He thought DJ was way better than Daric Barton…
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
I hope DeJesus' initials don't confuse him.
Ignore below
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Isn't he also the guy with a major woody for Splatt Carson, too?
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Jan 18, 2011 9:47 PM PST up reply actions
Or was it the other Matt?
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Jan 19, 2011 8:55 AM PST up reply actions
Dan's Johnson
is so hot right now! (I remember that month when he was absolutely unstoppable)
by d. on Jan 18, 2011 9:49 PM PST up reply actions
I liked Johnson before he demonstranted his inability to properly apply sunscreen and self induce double vision...
But Comon….you’t realize that DJ hit something like .214 for Yokohama all stars the year before? And he made excuses about THAT, too (too much training, different routines, etc.). I love the guy for his Oakland years, but his days of yoga classes with Harden and Buck are of another era.
DJ's days in Oakland are over...It is not a lock that he has figured out how to hit major league pitching.
Perhaps Johnson is a particularly good major league hitter, granted he has demonstrated some offensive skills at the major league level. His career OPS+ is 103, not good for a first baseman but still not indicative of an AAAA player. He has homered once every 24 ABs, again not particularly impressive but not awful either. And what is impressive is that in 1429 plate appearances he has walked 190 times and struck out just 208 times.
In fact, in 2010 he walked 25 times in just 140 PAs while striking out 27 times. He also hit 7 home runs. It is not a stretch to say that at age 30 he may have figured something out to become an adequate major league hitter.
I do think it possible that he will be exposed to his true MLB Skill-set if given regular playing time, for example his two best years were when he got over 400 PAs. I just don’t want DJ to have 400 PA’s over the current 2011 A’s Roster.
I hope DeJesus' initials don't confuse him.
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Post updated
with Jane Lee’s report of the A’s and Breslow exchanging numbers.
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
Oh, they’re gonna ask Breslow to see a movie with them. Young love is adorable.
LIVE EST
Tape-delayed for the West Coast
by TheLetter2 on Jan 18, 2011 4:36 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Funny the way baseball works
I was just talking to Clay in the A’s locker room yesterday, now he is DFA’d. Nice guy.
I have abandonment issues. Thanks Lew.
do you think you are billy beane again?
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
No, you will see what I mean when I post in the next few days....
I have abandonment issues. Thanks Lew.
by OptimistPrime on Jan 18, 2011 6:20 PM PST up reply actions
You aren't seeing the cause and effect here?
Cuz I don’t know if you’ve seen, but Romanick, Wuertz, and Gallego were DFA’d a few minutes ago.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I better get outta here then!
I have abandonment issues. Thanks Lew.
by OptimistPrime on Jan 18, 2011 6:15 PM PST up reply actions
say hi to connor on your way out
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
Give me your life before you go.
I need to be charmed for awhile.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
Here you go.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
I approve of this message
I have abandonment issues. Thanks Lew.
by OptimistPrime on Jan 19, 2011 4:58 AM PST up reply actions
Hey, isn't the background the same color as Zito's shag carpet?
Then again, why am I noticing the background, right?
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
I think what Barry does on his carpet is his own business
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 7:00 AM PST up reply actions
A's signed Fuentes
DFA’d Tolleson…
"So, the A's new organizational philosophy involves adding Viking relievers? God save us all."
"Berserkers: the new market inefficiency."
-LonestarBall
With Tolleson's DFA, this both makes sense and does not make sense
It really hurts the A’s infield depth, especially at SS, with our starting SS and Backup SS currently injured.
What it does do, however, is open up SS for Horton, to allow Green to go to AA. Presumably, Weeks and Cardenas will go to AAA as well, so the big question I have is Sogard, who could be in the Majors as a backup, or could be tried (somehow) at SS at AAA instead of Horton. Or will they put him on the bench?
"So, the A's new organizational philosophy involves adding Viking relievers? God save us all."
"Berserkers: the new market inefficiency."
-LonestarBall
Doesn't Horton suck at defense?
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 19, 2011 10:28 AM PST up reply actions
Actually from what I've heard it's supposedly greatly improved
Mostly from interviews of guys like Forst and Zahidi, as well as reports over at scout the impression I get is that Horton is legitimately above average defensively at SS with the possibility of being better.
I’ve never been a fan of Horton but if his defense really is improved I think he’s at least as good an option there as Tolleson.
TotalZone thought he was Jeteresque defensively, though that's not exactly recent data
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
You'd have to figure the odds of Sogard opening 2011 in the majors are close to 100% at this point
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Wow! I hope this means they're confident about Pennington and Rosales returning
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 19, 2011 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
I don't understand this
Can’t they DFA Doolittle or Figueroa ?
Or are there rules protecting the injured ?
The Americans with Disabilities Act?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Anyone want to offer odds on either Mortensen or Tolleson
slipping through waivers unclaimed?
I didn't realize you were veganalyst! This makes it totally different! You're one of my favorite twitter/ANers. - Susan Slusser
I'd guess about 40% chance for each.
(Which I guess means 64% chance that at least one of them gets through.) But that’s just my intuition, and I’m not terribly well informed.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
I think there's essentially zero chance that Tolleson goes unclaimed
He probably will actually be traded, albeit for minimal return (PTBNL or cash), rather than waived.
Mortensen, probably a decent chance. I think it’s clear the A’s wanted nothing to do with him after the DUI incident.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Looks like he did go unclaimed.
Roto sidebar says he’s in Sacramento now.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
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